They did not yet understand the Scripture, that he had to rise from the
dead, says the Gospel of John. Saint Paul will tell us that if Christ has
been raised, then we are the most foolish of people. Only really believing
in the Resurrection of Christ makes sense of the life of Christ. Only
believing that the Resurrection actually happened and is not just something
that happens in the minds of those who believe - this makes sense.

Mary of Magdala, in this account, sees that the stone is moved and knows
immediately that the body of Jesus is not there and so she runs to Peter
and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. They go first to investigate.
Mary is not thinking that Jesus has risen, but simply that His body has
been taken.

What began on last Thursday night with betrayal, what turned into disaster
with suffering and death, has simply been accepted by this woman who had
such respect and love for Jesus. She who is known as the Apostle to the
Apostles is a moving example for all of us. From unbelief, she moves to
belief and commitment.

If there is a strong theme for the day Mass of Easter Sunday, it is the
theme of Christ's Resurrection changing his followers from sadness and
mourning and doubt and even rejection to joy and complete belief.

The first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, relates how different
Peter is after believing in the Resurrection of Christ. The second
reading, from the Letter to the Colossians instructs us to begin thinking
about what is above because we have actually died with Christ and now have
a new life.

How wonderful is the power of the Resurrection of our Lord. Timid and
fearful followers become evangelizers who no longer fear anything. Those
who felt that they must have been duped in Jesus now come to accept that
God was working in Jesus and bringing all of us salvation. Even the
Apostle Thomas, the theme of this coming Sunday's liturgy, is willing to be
convinced but does not really think that he will be convinced.

We, no matter at what stage we find ourselves in our faith, can allow
today's reading to draw us closer to Christ, to believe more deeply in the
Resurrection and to empower us with the strength and joy of the Holy
Spirit. Christ is risen! Our lives are changed forever. Let us rejoice
and be glad!